To see the articles, photographs and videos associated with them in this edition, please CLICK HERE to see the issue ONLINE. The following extracts are a selection from those articles and press releases in the online magazine.
Edition Nº 8 ... MAY / JUL 2008
“ATLANTIC WOLFFISH” by Åsmund Isaksen
There is no doubt in my mind that it was Esca that made the difference here. In addition to the immediate response we got when we started fishing with Esca, can we also mention that the 3rd member of our fishing party, who didn’t use Esca, returned home without any fish. We had heard about an exciting location outside of Bergen (Norway) that years ago had been a great place to fish for Atlantic Wolffish. Eager to get started, we fished from a floating pier over waters that were about 30 meters deep. Our equipment included Esca, a new and welcome addition to our tackle boxes, since we’ve been having great success with them lately. Good coffee and good company kept up our spirits despite heavy rain. We fished for a few hours using the well-known “Atlantic Wolfish hammering technique” where heavy lures are repeatedly dropped on the seabed to create sounds that attract the fish.
I used the setup pictured below, with no Esca. I removed the treble hook and attached a single hook and bait. I also had mounted a so-called assistant hook in the split ring at the top of the lure. Jan used a ”flying eye” produced by Hakuma. The bait was mussels and mackerel. We didn’t get anything using this tackle – not even a nibble. After awhile, we started talking about moving to another location. We decided to hold out a bit longer when Jan remembered that he had brought Esca. “I’m going to try the Esca” he said. He attached a blue multiblink Esca to his tackle.
He cast a ways out from the dock and began ”knocking” it inward towards us. Almost immediately, he felt something happening and right afterwards he stood there with an arched fishing rod fighting a heavy fish. “It has to be a Wolfish”, said Jan, “I’m certain of it.” And he was right! It wasn’t long before we saw the unmistakable grey color come toward the surface. We didn’t have the landing net ready and the fish managed to escape when at the surface. Damn! But now we were as excited as school kids.
All plans about moving to another location were forgotten. I was inspired by Jan’s immediate success with the Esca and decided to try my own. I had only green Escas with me and decided to use the green fading variation. While I was attaching my Esca over the lure, Jan was already bringing in another fish. This time, the net was ready and he was thrilled to land an amazing Wolffish weighing in at 4.9 kilos – a personal record for Jan!
Now it was my turn to try my luck – and my Esca. Two small, but clear tugs on my rod, and I gave the fish a couple of seconds before I jerked the rod. This was not a small fish! After a fight lasting a couple of minutes, I landed a 5.1 kilo Wolffish – a new record for me – and the day was saved! I know that it was Esca that made the difference here! Just ask the third member of our fishing party – the guy without Esca – who went home emptyhanded!
by Åsmund Isaksen
Marlin World is testing ESCA products this summer in Madeira Island.
I used the setup pictured below, with no Esca. I removed the treble hook and attached a single hook and bait. I also had mounted a so-called assistant hook in the split ring at the top of the lure. Jan used a ”flying eye” produced by Hakuma. The bait was mussels and mackerel. We didn’t get anything using this tackle – not even a nibble. After awhile, we started talking about moving to another location. We decided to hold out a bit longer when Jan remembered that he had brought Esca. “I’m going to try the Esca” he said. He attached a blue multiblink Esca to his tackle.
He cast a ways out from the dock and began ”knocking” it inward towards us. Almost immediately, he felt something happening and right afterwards he stood there with an arched fishing rod fighting a heavy fish. “It has to be a Wolfish”, said Jan, “I’m certain of it.” And he was right! It wasn’t long before we saw the unmistakable grey color come toward the surface. We didn’t have the landing net ready and the fish managed to escape when at the surface. Damn! But now we were as excited as school kids.
All plans about moving to another location were forgotten. I was inspired by Jan’s immediate success with the Esca and decided to try my own. I had only green Escas with me and decided to use the green fading variation. While I was attaching my Esca over the lure, Jan was already bringing in another fish. This time, the net was ready and he was thrilled to land an amazing Wolffish weighing in at 4.9 kilos – a personal record for Jan!
Now it was my turn to try my luck – and my Esca. Two small, but clear tugs on my rod, and I gave the fish a couple of seconds before I jerked the rod. This was not a small fish! After a fight lasting a couple of minutes, I landed a 5.1 kilo Wolffish – a new record for me – and the day was saved! I know that it was Esca that made the difference here! Just ask the third member of our fishing party – the guy without Esca – who went home emptyhanded!
by Åsmund Isaksen
Marlin World is testing ESCA products this summer in Madeira Island.
“What’s up with the Boat & Yacht repo joints?” by Rob Scanlan
THE REALITY
You’re upside down in your yacht or boat financing; haven’t made any payments and you know it is just a matter of three – maybe four months before the “repo-man” comes to take your water toy. Maintenance, upkeep and attention to the onboard systems, engines and electronics are of no concern to you. It will not be coming out of your pocket. You load the boat up with all your asphalt admiral-friends, beat the sh*t out of the boat for the remainder of the boating season; and in most cases you strip the items, electronics and appurtenances for some extra last minute cash.
Now let’s get right to the point; are you going to furnish-up any maintenance logs, receipts and any information about the boat at this point? I doubt it. You can’t even make the payments, let-alone invest in routine maintenance.
THE FACTS
How come there is not one of these repossession facilities listed as a member of the Yacht Brokers Association of America? I’ll tell you why, because they can not and will not adhere to the standards and ethics of YBAA and the membership of professional yacht brokers. These repo-facilities do not co-broke their questionable inventory either ~ go figure. For over twenty years now, I have been retained by marine lenders to survey these “repos” after they are taken. Many clients have called me to survey boats and yachts at the repojoints and eight (8) out of ten (10) boats or yachts, have had enough significant structural, mechanical and electrical problems to warrant walking away from the purchase. No wonder the “repodepots” will not allow
me in their repo-joints again. These guys do not want my detailed engine diagnostic testing; structural and electrical tests performed on their inventory of liquidated and repossessed boats and yachts; neither does the bank or lender. Try requesting sea trials.
AHHH .. BEHIND THE SCENE TRUTH
Make no mistake about it, the repo-guys only want the surveyors from “their” list who shuffle and hustle through the survey, using words and text to make that U.S.S. Old Sneaker shine. These are called the “on & off” surveyors. Banks and repo-depots love the “on & off’s” after the boat or yacht is taken but the banks and marine lenders don’t what them for the pre-purchase surveys prior to lending. What’s up with that ? Here’s another piece of my experience at these repodepots;
not one has any maintenance logs or receipts for any of the work performed; “nobody knows nothin” about the boat’s past history and in every situation, there is no information furnished-up on any of the survey results recently performed on that boat or yacht since it was repossessed.
If you have clients who think they can get a “good deal” on a “repo” have them contact me, I guarantee, I will educate them on the real world of repoed boats & yachts. I will be more than happy to submit the list of marine lenders and banks that retained me in the past. It has come to a point that when a client tells me he wants a survey done on a boat or yacht at a repo-place or a boat listed on “Craigs” or “Ebay”, I explain why I will not waste either of our time and money on that boat with too many hidden problems and unknowns.
R.T. Scanlan, CMS/MMS/ACMS
Accredited & Certified Marine Surveyor
781-595-6225 (24-hour office)
www.mastermarinesurveyor.com
You’re upside down in your yacht or boat financing; haven’t made any payments and you know it is just a matter of three – maybe four months before the “repo-man” comes to take your water toy. Maintenance, upkeep and attention to the onboard systems, engines and electronics are of no concern to you. It will not be coming out of your pocket. You load the boat up with all your asphalt admiral-friends, beat the sh*t out of the boat for the remainder of the boating season; and in most cases you strip the items, electronics and appurtenances for some extra last minute cash.
Now let’s get right to the point; are you going to furnish-up any maintenance logs, receipts and any information about the boat at this point? I doubt it. You can’t even make the payments, let-alone invest in routine maintenance.
THE FACTS
How come there is not one of these repossession facilities listed as a member of the Yacht Brokers Association of America? I’ll tell you why, because they can not and will not adhere to the standards and ethics of YBAA and the membership of professional yacht brokers. These repo-facilities do not co-broke their questionable inventory either ~ go figure. For over twenty years now, I have been retained by marine lenders to survey these “repos” after they are taken. Many clients have called me to survey boats and yachts at the repojoints and eight (8) out of ten (10) boats or yachts, have had enough significant structural, mechanical and electrical problems to warrant walking away from the purchase. No wonder the “repodepots” will not allow
me in their repo-joints again. These guys do not want my detailed engine diagnostic testing; structural and electrical tests performed on their inventory of liquidated and repossessed boats and yachts; neither does the bank or lender. Try requesting sea trials.
AHHH .. BEHIND THE SCENE TRUTH
Make no mistake about it, the repo-guys only want the surveyors from “their” list who shuffle and hustle through the survey, using words and text to make that U.S.S. Old Sneaker shine. These are called the “on & off” surveyors. Banks and repo-depots love the “on & off’s” after the boat or yacht is taken but the banks and marine lenders don’t what them for the pre-purchase surveys prior to lending. What’s up with that ? Here’s another piece of my experience at these repodepots;
not one has any maintenance logs or receipts for any of the work performed; “nobody knows nothin” about the boat’s past history and in every situation, there is no information furnished-up on any of the survey results recently performed on that boat or yacht since it was repossessed.
If you have clients who think they can get a “good deal” on a “repo” have them contact me, I guarantee, I will educate them on the real world of repoed boats & yachts. I will be more than happy to submit the list of marine lenders and banks that retained me in the past. It has come to a point that when a client tells me he wants a survey done on a boat or yacht at a repo-place or a boat listed on “Craigs” or “Ebay”, I explain why I will not waste either of our time and money on that boat with too many hidden problems and unknowns.
R.T. Scanlan, CMS/MMS/ACMS
Accredited & Certified Marine Surveyor
781-595-6225 (24-hour office)
www.mastermarinesurveyor.com
“Fly Fishing for Billfish” by Ed Kunze
The boat was the “Intruza”, a 34 foot Radon with a wide beam and an experienced crew. We were 16 miles out of Zihuatanejo Bay and trolling a teaser spread at 6 knots. Everyone was alert and ready for action, but Ruben the captain, was quicker. From his higher vantage point, he yelled out “rigger, rigger” and in the next instant, pitched his voice to a scream level with “marlin, marlin”. I was stationed by the underwater teaser and Antonio “Pez Vela” was next to the spreader bar teaser. Ruben slowed the boat and started winding in the outrigger rod from his station on the fly bridge and at the same time I brought in the hookless underwater teaser made out of a blue boat bumper with a string of plastic squid. Pez Vela, waiting till the outrigger bait was even with the spreader bar, hand lined the spreader bar in as the lit up blue marlin charged the baits and the boat. The big blue actually ate one of the baits on the spreader bar and from my position in the center of the cockpit, I told P.J. Cunningham “now!” The fifteen foot cast laid the 8 inch dorado pattern fly next to the blue marlin’s beak and was instantly engulfed. A lot of things go through one’s mind during these critical moments.
Probably foremost, was the fact that this was a huge fish and I wondered “how in the world is a fly outfit set up for sailfish, going to hold up on this 300 pound plus blue?”
The problem with bill fishing, and especially on the fly, Mr. Murphy is always looking over your shoulder. What can go wrong, will go wrong and that was becoming very obvious when the marlin was not content to just eat one of the teaser baits and the fly. It seemed he wanted the whole boat. Pez Vela, reaching out, lifted the spreader bar up on the swim step. The marlin finally came to its senses and made its turn from less than 3 feet away. P.J. was stripping line, in short 14 to 18 inch power pulls, as fast as he could to get a hook set. But, he could not catch up with the fish until it turned. A quick left hand strip and the forward number 8/0 hook was firmly in the corner of the mouth. My original question was quickly resolved. The rod tip was actually beyond the marlin’s head at the hook set, and in trying to catch up to the fish, Mr. Murphy had wrapped the line around the outside of the reel. When the big blue felt the bite of the hook, the explosion that followed snapped the 20 pound leader as if it was thread.
On the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico, the twin cities of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo are a premier sail fishing destination for serious fishermen. Not only is the area known for it’s popular resorts in Ixtapa, and the old world charm of Zihuatanejo, but the sailfish fishing can only be duplicated in a couple of other areas in the world. Supported by an international airport, good roads, great hotel and restaurant accommodations and an adequate fishing fleet, the towns are one of the best bargains for the fisherman who wants to get a billfish on a fly rod.
Fly fishing for a billfish is best described as the ultimate adrenaline rush. To have a blue marlin or sailfish rise up in the trolled spread of hookless teasers, watch him charge the boat and take the fly; this is sight casting at its best. Blue marlin are not as abundant as the sailfish, but as P. J. will contest, he had a second chance on another blue two days later. We had already released a sailfish and kept a nice thirty pound dorado. P.J.’s fishing partner, Alan Van Duyne had taken those and it was P.J.’s turn again. Rubin screamed “marlin, marlin” and we went into action again. I could see it was only about 180 pounds of fury this time, and I honestly thought we had a chance for this one. The twenty foot cast with the hot pink fly was eaten and the hook set made. The marlin did not jump. It headed straight for Hawaii. The speed and power of the run was awesome. The fly rod was bent to maximum resistance, the line was screaming off the reel, and we all stared in awe. A veteran fly fisherman, P.J. had a satisfying smile on his face that reflected past fly fishing battles with 27 pound steelhead from Idaho and 50 pound salmon in Alaska. Seconds later, for some unexplainable reason, a brand new 12-13 weight fly reel, from a reputable manufacture, froze up. End of second chance in two days. Norm Turgeon, with Martin and a beautiful sailfish on the fly with the author’s 14wt fly rod. Most of the billfish taken here in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo are the large aerobatic Pacific sailfish, however, the methods we use for sailfish are the same for the marlin and dorado. We generally use two to three hookless teasers, which are trolled to locate the fish and entice them to bite. The teaser man brings the fish close to the boat, and the fly angler then makes the cast. This method also works, and was derived from, using a light line conventional gear rod and reel for bait and switch fishing.
Sailfish caught on light line outfits such as a fly rod or 20 pound gear outfits fight better, and leap more often, than when being dragged down by a heavy 60 or 80 pound conventional gear rig. This adds to the excitement of the fight, and the ability to appreciate why the sailfish is one of the most targeted exotic game fish in the world. As proven by PJ, the light line outfits and fly fishing rigs are not really made for the ultra heavy weights of the billfish world, but they sure are fun on the sailfish. The two flies at the bottom are a conventional sailfish fly and a tube fly, with the double hook setup. The two smallest flies work well for small game, by imitating sardines. The two mid-sized flies imitate a sardine and a goggle eye. They are excellent for roosters and jacks.
The flies are tied by Rebecca, the author’s wife.
Probably foremost, was the fact that this was a huge fish and I wondered “how in the world is a fly outfit set up for sailfish, going to hold up on this 300 pound plus blue?”
The problem with bill fishing, and especially on the fly, Mr. Murphy is always looking over your shoulder. What can go wrong, will go wrong and that was becoming very obvious when the marlin was not content to just eat one of the teaser baits and the fly. It seemed he wanted the whole boat. Pez Vela, reaching out, lifted the spreader bar up on the swim step. The marlin finally came to its senses and made its turn from less than 3 feet away. P.J. was stripping line, in short 14 to 18 inch power pulls, as fast as he could to get a hook set. But, he could not catch up with the fish until it turned. A quick left hand strip and the forward number 8/0 hook was firmly in the corner of the mouth. My original question was quickly resolved. The rod tip was actually beyond the marlin’s head at the hook set, and in trying to catch up to the fish, Mr. Murphy had wrapped the line around the outside of the reel. When the big blue felt the bite of the hook, the explosion that followed snapped the 20 pound leader as if it was thread.
On the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico, the twin cities of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo are a premier sail fishing destination for serious fishermen. Not only is the area known for it’s popular resorts in Ixtapa, and the old world charm of Zihuatanejo, but the sailfish fishing can only be duplicated in a couple of other areas in the world. Supported by an international airport, good roads, great hotel and restaurant accommodations and an adequate fishing fleet, the towns are one of the best bargains for the fisherman who wants to get a billfish on a fly rod.
Fly fishing for a billfish is best described as the ultimate adrenaline rush. To have a blue marlin or sailfish rise up in the trolled spread of hookless teasers, watch him charge the boat and take the fly; this is sight casting at its best. Blue marlin are not as abundant as the sailfish, but as P. J. will contest, he had a second chance on another blue two days later. We had already released a sailfish and kept a nice thirty pound dorado. P.J.’s fishing partner, Alan Van Duyne had taken those and it was P.J.’s turn again. Rubin screamed “marlin, marlin” and we went into action again. I could see it was only about 180 pounds of fury this time, and I honestly thought we had a chance for this one. The twenty foot cast with the hot pink fly was eaten and the hook set made. The marlin did not jump. It headed straight for Hawaii. The speed and power of the run was awesome. The fly rod was bent to maximum resistance, the line was screaming off the reel, and we all stared in awe. A veteran fly fisherman, P.J. had a satisfying smile on his face that reflected past fly fishing battles with 27 pound steelhead from Idaho and 50 pound salmon in Alaska. Seconds later, for some unexplainable reason, a brand new 12-13 weight fly reel, from a reputable manufacture, froze up. End of second chance in two days. Norm Turgeon, with Martin and a beautiful sailfish on the fly with the author’s 14wt fly rod. Most of the billfish taken here in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo are the large aerobatic Pacific sailfish, however, the methods we use for sailfish are the same for the marlin and dorado. We generally use two to three hookless teasers, which are trolled to locate the fish and entice them to bite. The teaser man brings the fish close to the boat, and the fly angler then makes the cast. This method also works, and was derived from, using a light line conventional gear rod and reel for bait and switch fishing.
Sailfish caught on light line outfits such as a fly rod or 20 pound gear outfits fight better, and leap more often, than when being dragged down by a heavy 60 or 80 pound conventional gear rig. This adds to the excitement of the fight, and the ability to appreciate why the sailfish is one of the most targeted exotic game fish in the world. As proven by PJ, the light line outfits and fly fishing rigs are not really made for the ultra heavy weights of the billfish world, but they sure are fun on the sailfish. The two flies at the bottom are a conventional sailfish fly and a tube fly, with the double hook setup. The two smallest flies work well for small game, by imitating sardines. The two mid-sized flies imitate a sardine and a goggle eye. They are excellent for roosters and jacks.
The flies are tied by Rebecca, the author’s wife.
“Kristy GRANT” by Matt Murray
Walk down the dock in Jupiter or Palm Beach, Florida and a stunning blonde young lady catches everyone’s eye. She’s tall, fit, and is wearing a beach dress with a Blue Marlin swimming up the side of the dress, busting yellowfin tuna. Meet Kristy Grant, creator of Sporty Girl Apparel. “I’m 21 years old and was born and raised in South Florida. I started Sporty Girl Apparel less than a year ago. I incorporate my style into my clothing line and try to keep it different from any other women’s apparel line out there. It is truly one of a kind.
Growing up I always loved the outdoors and anything adventurous. My hobbies include horseback riding, four wheeling, mudding, fishing, and spear fishing and hunting. I love to spend time at my family ranch in Georgia during hunting season and then during the summer I enjoy being over in the Bahamas fishing and diving. My life has been a big adventure, because my dad is in the fishing industry and our family has always traveled with him, I have been able to fish in destinations most people only dream about.
I feel blessed that I have grown up the way I have and because of this it made me who I am today.
Matt Murray spoke with Kristy:.
Q. I know that your dad introduced you to the outdoors at an early age; can you tell us your first memories of fishing and hunting with him?
I always remember hanging out on my dads boat with my sister fishing off the docks. My dad would show us how to bait the hooks and then when we caught something he would help us take it off and put the fish in the live well so when we were done we could look and see what we both caught.
As a little girl my dad would take me hunting on the swamp buggy out at the Corbett area, a local management area, we would bring our hunting dogs and ride around all day on the buggy hoping to jump a deer or a hog and at night it was always the best home cooked food around the camp fire.
Q. All of the artwork on the clothing is designed and created by you, how did you get started drawing fish and animals?
Every since I was little I loved to draw animals. Whenever I had a chance I would get out my drawing pad and doodle pictures of my pets. As I grew older I got more into fishing and hunting and started to draw things that I have either seen in the woods or out on the water. I enjoy being out in the woods or on the ocean, and I wanted to create artwork that represents my passion.
Q. I heard the story of you making the first dress that you wore to a fishing tournament awards dinner; can you share that with us?
It all started when I was t h i n k i n g of what to wear to the awards dinner after a local tournament. I had this gorgeous royal blue beach dress and when I decided to wear that to the tournament it clicked in my head how amazing it would look if I tried to hand paint a marlin swimming up the side of the dress with a few tunas swimming in every direction. After I painted the dress and saw how eye catching it was and from the reactions of others when I was wearing it, I knew that I could make a business out of painting women’s apparel.
Q. As a young, female entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge in getting your products to market?
The economy, when trying to sell my product to shops most say they just can’t afford it right now. Also for me I am on a tight budget and am new at all of this business dealing, I am only 21 and started this business learning as I go. I’m sure if I had more experience with making business deals then getting my product to market would be easier. But the best part about this company is the new things I learn each day.
Q. What can we look forward to from Kristy Grant and Sporty Girl Apparel in the next year or so?
You can definitely look forward to more fishing and hunting designs; also we have started guy’s shirts, hand painted straw cowboy hats, and the biggest thing I am working on now is our bikini line. Along with that I have just rented my fist space in a boutique in down town Stuart to display my line of clothing along with accessories.
Kristy’s clothing has been featured in the Jupiter Gander Mountain store, and is available on her website. www.sportygirlapparel.com
Growing up I always loved the outdoors and anything adventurous. My hobbies include horseback riding, four wheeling, mudding, fishing, and spear fishing and hunting. I love to spend time at my family ranch in Georgia during hunting season and then during the summer I enjoy being over in the Bahamas fishing and diving. My life has been a big adventure, because my dad is in the fishing industry and our family has always traveled with him, I have been able to fish in destinations most people only dream about.
I feel blessed that I have grown up the way I have and because of this it made me who I am today.
Matt Murray spoke with Kristy:.
Q. I know that your dad introduced you to the outdoors at an early age; can you tell us your first memories of fishing and hunting with him?
I always remember hanging out on my dads boat with my sister fishing off the docks. My dad would show us how to bait the hooks and then when we caught something he would help us take it off and put the fish in the live well so when we were done we could look and see what we both caught.
As a little girl my dad would take me hunting on the swamp buggy out at the Corbett area, a local management area, we would bring our hunting dogs and ride around all day on the buggy hoping to jump a deer or a hog and at night it was always the best home cooked food around the camp fire.
Q. All of the artwork on the clothing is designed and created by you, how did you get started drawing fish and animals?
Every since I was little I loved to draw animals. Whenever I had a chance I would get out my drawing pad and doodle pictures of my pets. As I grew older I got more into fishing and hunting and started to draw things that I have either seen in the woods or out on the water. I enjoy being out in the woods or on the ocean, and I wanted to create artwork that represents my passion.
Q. I heard the story of you making the first dress that you wore to a fishing tournament awards dinner; can you share that with us?
It all started when I was t h i n k i n g of what to wear to the awards dinner after a local tournament. I had this gorgeous royal blue beach dress and when I decided to wear that to the tournament it clicked in my head how amazing it would look if I tried to hand paint a marlin swimming up the side of the dress with a few tunas swimming in every direction. After I painted the dress and saw how eye catching it was and from the reactions of others when I was wearing it, I knew that I could make a business out of painting women’s apparel.
Q. As a young, female entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge in getting your products to market?
The economy, when trying to sell my product to shops most say they just can’t afford it right now. Also for me I am on a tight budget and am new at all of this business dealing, I am only 21 and started this business learning as I go. I’m sure if I had more experience with making business deals then getting my product to market would be easier. But the best part about this company is the new things I learn each day.
Q. What can we look forward to from Kristy Grant and Sporty Girl Apparel in the next year or so?
You can definitely look forward to more fishing and hunting designs; also we have started guy’s shirts, hand painted straw cowboy hats, and the biggest thing I am working on now is our bikini line. Along with that I have just rented my fist space in a boutique in down town Stuart to display my line of clothing along with accessories.
Kristy’s clothing has been featured in the Jupiter Gander Mountain store, and is available on her website. www.sportygirlapparel.com
“Partnership for Sustainable Oceans Calls for Equality During Marine Life Protection Act Regulatory Process ” PRESS RELEASE
Sacramento, CA – February 24, 2010 - On March 3, 2010, California's Fish and Game Commission (FGC) convenes in Ontario, Calif., to discuss the four Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) marine protected areas (MPA) proposals for the South Coast Region.
In its continuing efforts to represent and protect access for recreational anglers and boaters, the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) is calling upon the Commission to put the MLPA process in Southern California back on "even footing," demanding that all proposals be given fair and equal consideration by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) as clearly stated during the December 9, 2009 commission meeting. During its February meeting in Sacramento, Calif., the FGC said it was possible that only the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA), developed by the Blue Ribbon Task Force, would have regulations proposed by the DFG, thus effectively ending consideration for Proposal 2 and the other RSG proposals.
At the December meeting, the FGC voted to direct the DFG to evaluate all four marine protected area (MPA) proposals – the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA) and Proposals 1, 2 and 3 from the Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) – and include all as part of the formal regulatory process. FGC Executive Director John Carlson stated that, " .the Commission will ensure that these processes evaluate the IPA and accompanying alternatives presented by the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) prior to the ultimate determination of the regulations for MPAs in the South Coast study region." All four proposals must have regulations proposed by the DFG in order for the FGC to select one of the four for its final designations, including Proposal 2, which is supported by the PSO.
Bob Fletcher, former Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Fish and Game and PSO member, commented "It is imperative to ensure equality and full transparency that the FGC follow the model established during the North Central Coast process here in the South Coast region. To do anything less would only be compounding the problems and suspicions of an already flawed process. If we hope to achieve the best possible end result, one that will truly balance economic impacts and the health and sustainability of our ocean, fish populations and precious habitat, then the DFG must include regulations and thoroughly analyze all four alternatives."
Fletcher further said, "To single out the IPA at this point in the deliberation process as a final decision is a hasty rush to judgment with consequences we would all regret. Should the DFG neglect its duty to follow the Commission agenda as noted on December 9, 2009, it would demonstrate blatant disregard for promises and commitments made to stakeholders and the general public for a fair and open process."
The PSO reaffirms its position to remain actively and constructively engaged in the MLPA process. The goal is to ensure that the eventual outcome is based upon the best available, unbiased science and sound public policy.
Recreational anglers and boaters are encouraged to attend the FGC scheduled for March 3, 2010 in Ontario, Calif. at 8:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Avenue.
For more information about the MLPA, visit Keep America Fishing.
###
KPA Strategies, Inc.
2201 Francisco Dr., Ste. 140-183
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
In its continuing efforts to represent and protect access for recreational anglers and boaters, the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans (PSO) is calling upon the Commission to put the MLPA process in Southern California back on "even footing," demanding that all proposals be given fair and equal consideration by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) as clearly stated during the December 9, 2009 commission meeting. During its February meeting in Sacramento, Calif., the FGC said it was possible that only the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA), developed by the Blue Ribbon Task Force, would have regulations proposed by the DFG, thus effectively ending consideration for Proposal 2 and the other RSG proposals.
At the December meeting, the FGC voted to direct the DFG to evaluate all four marine protected area (MPA) proposals – the Integrated Preferred Alternative (IPA) and Proposals 1, 2 and 3 from the Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) – and include all as part of the formal regulatory process. FGC Executive Director John Carlson stated that, " .the Commission will ensure that these processes evaluate the IPA and accompanying alternatives presented by the Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF) prior to the ultimate determination of the regulations for MPAs in the South Coast study region." All four proposals must have regulations proposed by the DFG in order for the FGC to select one of the four for its final designations, including Proposal 2, which is supported by the PSO.
Bob Fletcher, former Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Fish and Game and PSO member, commented "It is imperative to ensure equality and full transparency that the FGC follow the model established during the North Central Coast process here in the South Coast region. To do anything less would only be compounding the problems and suspicions of an already flawed process. If we hope to achieve the best possible end result, one that will truly balance economic impacts and the health and sustainability of our ocean, fish populations and precious habitat, then the DFG must include regulations and thoroughly analyze all four alternatives."
Fletcher further said, "To single out the IPA at this point in the deliberation process as a final decision is a hasty rush to judgment with consequences we would all regret. Should the DFG neglect its duty to follow the Commission agenda as noted on December 9, 2009, it would demonstrate blatant disregard for promises and commitments made to stakeholders and the general public for a fair and open process."
The PSO reaffirms its position to remain actively and constructively engaged in the MLPA process. The goal is to ensure that the eventual outcome is based upon the best available, unbiased science and sound public policy.
Recreational anglers and boaters are encouraged to attend the FGC scheduled for March 3, 2010 in Ontario, Calif. at 8:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Avenue.
For more information about the MLPA, visit Keep America Fishing.
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KPA Strategies, Inc.
2201 Francisco Dr., Ste. 140-183
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
“Adventures in Fishing” by Captain Ray Kelly
We have been travelling the world producing our television show, Adventures In Fishing, www.adventuresinfishing or 16 years. The productions crews have been to many exotic locations including Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida and Costa Rico. All these locations have one thing in common. What is it that they have in common? They all have great fishing. The location is truly an angler’s paradise. The angler’s paradise I am talking about is Casa Vieja Lodge in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala.
Anglers are treated like royalty at Casa Vieja Lodge. From the moment that my cameramen, Chris Kelly and myself were greeted at the airport by driver, Juan Carlos to being welcomed by Lodge Manager Antonio Lopez and the rest of his staff upon our arrival at the lodge with their famous welcome drinks, we were truly impressed.
We fished with Capt. Chico Alvarenga of the Canuso. I will start by saying that my arms were aching after the first day of fishing. When your arms ache, you know that you have experienced fantastic fishing. It only took three minutes after the lines were in the water to hook up. The line screamed off the reel and the fish jumped. My first Guatemala sailfish was dancing on the surface. You could see it was a big fish. After a nice battle, the beautiful sailfish was alongside the Canuso. I have to say that mates Carlos Alvarenga and Chepito Alvarenga were excellent. They prepared the baits, set out the lines and were ready when the fish was at the boat. They were professional and personable. Chepito grabbed the bill and asked if we wanted him to bring the fish into the boat for a photo. This always looks good on TV. He lifted the fish quickly
into the cockpit and I posed for a quick photo. The fish was put back into the water, revived and released. It is such a good feeling when you see a beautiful fish like that swim away.
It did not take long and Chris was hooked up. Another big beautiful sailfish took line and there was nothing that Chris could do to stop it. I might add at this point that it takes a team effort to land these big sailfish. The angler fights the fish while the mates clear the other lines. The captain keeps an eye on the fish and manuevers the boat. Capt. Chico was the BEST. Chris landed this fish and Chepito brought this fish into the boat for Chris’s photo opt with the sailfish. This sailfish was also put back into the water, revived and released.
This is how it went for the next two days, Sailfish after sailfish. Some were raised. Some were hooked up and lost but most were landed. We added a new dimension on this show. That new dimension was filming the fish underwater. Chris and I took turns going in the water with the sailfish. What an experience. I knew we had produced a fantastic episode for our show. The final count was 39 sailfish landed! Now you can see why our arms were tired. I want you to picture this setting. You return from fishing and are greeted with the drink of the day as soon as Casa Vieja’s van pulls into the resort. You take a dip the the pool and while you are swimming a server brings you a snack of the day and places it on a layed out towel next to the pool with another drink. Then for dinner, you have a delicious meal. Are you impressed? I was. This is an angler’s paradise. On day two, Capt. Chico brought his 12 year old nephew, Velther Alvarenga. I was glad as we try to promote getting children involved in sport fishing on Adventures In Fishing. Day three was another fantastic day of fishing. Capt. Chico said he wanted to add variety and fished a different area. The climax of this day was a hookup with a HUGE dorado. I immediately got on the rod. I could see this was the biggest Dorado I had ever caught if I landed this fish. The fight was almost as hard and as long as it was for the sailfish we had already caught. I prayed silently that I would not lose this fish. I don’t know if it was God or luck but I landed that fish. It measured 57 inches. Capt. Chico estimated it to be 40 lbs. What a happy ending to some of the best fishing in the world!
Oh yeah, Chepito made fresh sushi with the filets from that dorado. And let me tell you, it was the best sushi I have ever eaten. There is only one thing left to say. YOU have to come to Case Vieja Lodge and experience this fantastic fishing for yourself. Call them yourself or call Adventures In Fishing and we will make the arrangements for you.
And remember- “Let’s get kids hooked on Fishing...NOT on drugs!”
Anglers are treated like royalty at Casa Vieja Lodge. From the moment that my cameramen, Chris Kelly and myself were greeted at the airport by driver, Juan Carlos to being welcomed by Lodge Manager Antonio Lopez and the rest of his staff upon our arrival at the lodge with their famous welcome drinks, we were truly impressed.
We fished with Capt. Chico Alvarenga of the Canuso. I will start by saying that my arms were aching after the first day of fishing. When your arms ache, you know that you have experienced fantastic fishing. It only took three minutes after the lines were in the water to hook up. The line screamed off the reel and the fish jumped. My first Guatemala sailfish was dancing on the surface. You could see it was a big fish. After a nice battle, the beautiful sailfish was alongside the Canuso. I have to say that mates Carlos Alvarenga and Chepito Alvarenga were excellent. They prepared the baits, set out the lines and were ready when the fish was at the boat. They were professional and personable. Chepito grabbed the bill and asked if we wanted him to bring the fish into the boat for a photo. This always looks good on TV. He lifted the fish quickly
into the cockpit and I posed for a quick photo. The fish was put back into the water, revived and released. It is such a good feeling when you see a beautiful fish like that swim away.
It did not take long and Chris was hooked up. Another big beautiful sailfish took line and there was nothing that Chris could do to stop it. I might add at this point that it takes a team effort to land these big sailfish. The angler fights the fish while the mates clear the other lines. The captain keeps an eye on the fish and manuevers the boat. Capt. Chico was the BEST. Chris landed this fish and Chepito brought this fish into the boat for Chris’s photo opt with the sailfish. This sailfish was also put back into the water, revived and released.
This is how it went for the next two days, Sailfish after sailfish. Some were raised. Some were hooked up and lost but most were landed. We added a new dimension on this show. That new dimension was filming the fish underwater. Chris and I took turns going in the water with the sailfish. What an experience. I knew we had produced a fantastic episode for our show. The final count was 39 sailfish landed! Now you can see why our arms were tired. I want you to picture this setting. You return from fishing and are greeted with the drink of the day as soon as Casa Vieja’s van pulls into the resort. You take a dip the the pool and while you are swimming a server brings you a snack of the day and places it on a layed out towel next to the pool with another drink. Then for dinner, you have a delicious meal. Are you impressed? I was. This is an angler’s paradise. On day two, Capt. Chico brought his 12 year old nephew, Velther Alvarenga. I was glad as we try to promote getting children involved in sport fishing on Adventures In Fishing. Day three was another fantastic day of fishing. Capt. Chico said he wanted to add variety and fished a different area. The climax of this day was a hookup with a HUGE dorado. I immediately got on the rod. I could see this was the biggest Dorado I had ever caught if I landed this fish. The fight was almost as hard and as long as it was for the sailfish we had already caught. I prayed silently that I would not lose this fish. I don’t know if it was God or luck but I landed that fish. It measured 57 inches. Capt. Chico estimated it to be 40 lbs. What a happy ending to some of the best fishing in the world!
Oh yeah, Chepito made fresh sushi with the filets from that dorado. And let me tell you, it was the best sushi I have ever eaten. There is only one thing left to say. YOU have to come to Case Vieja Lodge and experience this fantastic fishing for yourself. Call them yourself or call Adventures In Fishing and we will make the arrangements for you.
And remember- “Let’s get kids hooked on Fishing...NOT on drugs!”
“Waist Deep in Tarpon” by Carl Blackledge
I just returned from my Florida Tarpon trip and it was the best trip ever. Not only was there more Tarpon in the area, but I got hooked up with one of the best guides in Florida. This guy named Capt. Scott Collins is the the real deal. he’s also very easy going and pleasant to spend 8 hours a day in the boat with. Scott is also a 2nd generation guide I had booked 6 days with Scott, with just me only in the boat.
After I fished the first 3 days, we found out that Scott’s friend was in town, so we asked him to join us for 2 days. This fellow is known locally as super Dave (Dave Dalu) and also as one of the finest and most precision fly casters in the land. Scott and Dave have hooked up and won tournaments, biggest fish contests, and grand slams, and Dave got 2 permits in 2 days (29 lb and 30 lb). Their picture is in the Abel catalog on page 12 with a giant bonefish. Dave paid half the boat fee for the 2 days he was on it. If I would have known what an education I was going to get in casting, I would have gladly paid his way; this man can put a fly any place he wants quicker than anybody.
It was a total joy and delight to be in the same company with this winning combo. Dave and I on the first day tied the boat record of 7 landed fish; he landed 4 and me 3. The 2nd day we fished we broke the boat record - we landed eight, four each. I also
got to fish the worm hatch 3 times. The worm hatch was very strange this year. As soon as the worms started to appear you could cast out and nail one immediately, then after we would land that fish and come back, there were worms everywhere, and we had a hard time getting the fish to take again. I figured at first it was lots of fish, and just a few worms, then as the hatch progressed and more worms, perhaps the Tarpon could spot the fraud easier or maybe became more selective. Anyway, I only landed one fish each hatch. I jumped 38 tarpon total in 6 days, and landed 16 of them with Sage xi2-12 wt and 10 wts, my new buddy Dave landed 8 fish in 2 days I don’t know how many he jumped. Get this: Dave uses Sage 9wts and Loomis 10 wts. If I didn’t see it I wouldn’t have believed it. I watched him with great respect and envy. This was most definitely the best learning experience I ever had on a fishing trip, Anything
I ever thought I knew about tarpon fishing, or casting to a tarpon went out the window.
First I had one of the top guides in the Marathon area to guide me (I booked him for 2 weeks a year for life) and I had one of the nation’s finest saltwater casters to show me how to make the cast in person.
If anybody ever wants to go first class, with a full time Saltwater Boat capt., just call Scott Collins at Home: 305- 304-5965 or Cell: 305-743-5099. If you are serious book a year in advance. carlblackiedge@aol.com
After I fished the first 3 days, we found out that Scott’s friend was in town, so we asked him to join us for 2 days. This fellow is known locally as super Dave (Dave Dalu) and also as one of the finest and most precision fly casters in the land. Scott and Dave have hooked up and won tournaments, biggest fish contests, and grand slams, and Dave got 2 permits in 2 days (29 lb and 30 lb). Their picture is in the Abel catalog on page 12 with a giant bonefish. Dave paid half the boat fee for the 2 days he was on it. If I would have known what an education I was going to get in casting, I would have gladly paid his way; this man can put a fly any place he wants quicker than anybody.
It was a total joy and delight to be in the same company with this winning combo. Dave and I on the first day tied the boat record of 7 landed fish; he landed 4 and me 3. The 2nd day we fished we broke the boat record - we landed eight, four each. I also
got to fish the worm hatch 3 times. The worm hatch was very strange this year. As soon as the worms started to appear you could cast out and nail one immediately, then after we would land that fish and come back, there were worms everywhere, and we had a hard time getting the fish to take again. I figured at first it was lots of fish, and just a few worms, then as the hatch progressed and more worms, perhaps the Tarpon could spot the fraud easier or maybe became more selective. Anyway, I only landed one fish each hatch. I jumped 38 tarpon total in 6 days, and landed 16 of them with Sage xi2-12 wt and 10 wts, my new buddy Dave landed 8 fish in 2 days I don’t know how many he jumped. Get this: Dave uses Sage 9wts and Loomis 10 wts. If I didn’t see it I wouldn’t have believed it. I watched him with great respect and envy. This was most definitely the best learning experience I ever had on a fishing trip, Anything
I ever thought I knew about tarpon fishing, or casting to a tarpon went out the window.
First I had one of the top guides in the Marathon area to guide me (I booked him for 2 weeks a year for life) and I had one of the nation’s finest saltwater casters to show me how to make the cast in person.
If anybody ever wants to go first class, with a full time Saltwater Boat capt., just call Scott Collins at Home: 305- 304-5965 or Cell: 305-743-5099. If you are serious book a year in advance. carlblackiedge@aol.com
“Billfish in Exmouth, Western Australia”
Exmouth in Western Australia is one of the few places in the world where you can have the opportunity to experience six different species of billfish within close proximity to shore.
The Ningaloo Reef is the second largest fringing coral reef off Australia’s mainland. It stretches over 260kms of coastline. This coral edge has certain points where water depths plummet to over 1000m within just ten nautical miles of the mainland coast. Nutrient rich upwellings of currents from the deep ocean bed hit these canyon walls and create the start of an offshore food chain. Fish of many species, starting from the smallest baitfish through to the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable predators, inhabit these ocean fringing food halls. The variety of geographic features in this part of the ocean’s profile hold a staggering number of features suitable to billfish. Starting in the relatively shallow waters of the Ningaloo reef’s edge, the water depths drop to 50 metres in a sheer drop-off close to the back of the reef. Sails here can grow to an impressive size, and an average weight fish would be between 35-45kg. Small black marlin will often feed with the sails and targeting these fish here is possible in small and large craft, as it is only a mile or so from the launching facilities.
Moving slowly offshore away from the reef, the water steadily drops to the 100-metre mark, from there the depth sounder rapidly reaches 250 metres within not time at all. This is the start of the canyons that make up the ocean’s seabed along most of the length of the Ningaloo reef. Black and blue marlin make up the bulk of the numbers although there is a smattering of striped marlin, massive sailfish, the odd spearfish and the ocean’s gladiator: the broadbill swordfish. Night fishing for broadbill exposes many more species and experiences for the game fishing angler in the waters of Ningaloo. The Exmouth Gulf lies on the eastern side of the Cape ranges. It is a body of water stretching over 2600kms with a mean depth of 11.9m. Exmouth residents refer to the gulf as a ‘nursery’ with many juvenile species of fish that grow in the calmer, shallower and more protected waters. Throughout many times of the year pods sailfish and small marlin congregate within the gulf and feed on the schools of baitfish.
GAMEX is the annual game fishing competition in Exmouth. In fact, it is Western
Australia’s premier game fishing event with all line classes and game species eligible. With over forty different species on offer, there is little wonder it draws attention. The tournament breaks many new records almost every year. This year there were pending records for capture and 170billfish tagged. Exmouth Game Fishing Club will be hosting the AIBT ( Australian International Billfish Tournament) in 2011 and
2012, so if you want an excuse to visit, then why not make it then! Getting to
Exmouth is not as hard as many think. The contrast of red harsh earth to white sand
and then aqua blue followed by deep blue is amazing to see as you fly in to the airport.Regular flights from Perth daily with Skywest Airlines will land you in Exmouth with many options for accommodation.
For any further information on Exmouth, please feel free to drop a line to myself Jeni Gates via president@egfc.com.au
The Ningaloo Reef is the second largest fringing coral reef off Australia’s mainland. It stretches over 260kms of coastline. This coral edge has certain points where water depths plummet to over 1000m within just ten nautical miles of the mainland coast. Nutrient rich upwellings of currents from the deep ocean bed hit these canyon walls and create the start of an offshore food chain. Fish of many species, starting from the smallest baitfish through to the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable predators, inhabit these ocean fringing food halls. The variety of geographic features in this part of the ocean’s profile hold a staggering number of features suitable to billfish. Starting in the relatively shallow waters of the Ningaloo reef’s edge, the water depths drop to 50 metres in a sheer drop-off close to the back of the reef. Sails here can grow to an impressive size, and an average weight fish would be between 35-45kg. Small black marlin will often feed with the sails and targeting these fish here is possible in small and large craft, as it is only a mile or so from the launching facilities.
Moving slowly offshore away from the reef, the water steadily drops to the 100-metre mark, from there the depth sounder rapidly reaches 250 metres within not time at all. This is the start of the canyons that make up the ocean’s seabed along most of the length of the Ningaloo reef. Black and blue marlin make up the bulk of the numbers although there is a smattering of striped marlin, massive sailfish, the odd spearfish and the ocean’s gladiator: the broadbill swordfish. Night fishing for broadbill exposes many more species and experiences for the game fishing angler in the waters of Ningaloo. The Exmouth Gulf lies on the eastern side of the Cape ranges. It is a body of water stretching over 2600kms with a mean depth of 11.9m. Exmouth residents refer to the gulf as a ‘nursery’ with many juvenile species of fish that grow in the calmer, shallower and more protected waters. Throughout many times of the year pods sailfish and small marlin congregate within the gulf and feed on the schools of baitfish.
GAMEX is the annual game fishing competition in Exmouth. In fact, it is Western
Australia’s premier game fishing event with all line classes and game species eligible. With over forty different species on offer, there is little wonder it draws attention. The tournament breaks many new records almost every year. This year there were pending records for capture and 170billfish tagged. Exmouth Game Fishing Club will be hosting the AIBT ( Australian International Billfish Tournament) in 2011 and
2012, so if you want an excuse to visit, then why not make it then! Getting to
Exmouth is not as hard as many think. The contrast of red harsh earth to white sand
and then aqua blue followed by deep blue is amazing to see as you fly in to the airport.Regular flights from Perth daily with Skywest Airlines will land you in Exmouth with many options for accommodation.
For any further information on Exmouth, please feel free to drop a line to myself Jeni Gates via president@egfc.com.au
“Welcome to Faraway Bay, The Bush Camp”
On the north-west corner of the Australian continent, there is a place so remote, so far away from anywhere, it’s called Faraway Bay. Time appears to stand still. When it does move, it’s measured in tides and sunsets. Faraway Bay, The Bush Camp is a truly unique retreat, nestled on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Timor Sea, in the remote Kimberley Region.
It’s an intimate escape that feels like the edge of forever. Here, a few days can feel like a week, and a week can change the way you feel forever. On offer is remarkable natural beauty, isolation and history – all set in a remote slice of outback Australia.
Ease into nature’s rhythm. Relax. Explore. Relax some more.
A Rare Kimberley Encounter Cruise to the spectacular twin falls on the King George River and feel dwarfed by red rock cliffs that rise more than 50 metres into the air. When the falls are flowing it’s time for an invigorating fresh waterfall shower as the Diamond Lass cruiser edges up to the rock face. Go fishing in tidal creeks and catch an elusive barramundi. There’s always time to explore – learn about bush tucker; go bird watching, beach combing or swimming in pristine water holes; and discover ancient rock art perhaps 15- 20,000 years old.
Evening entertainment begins as the last rays dance across the rocks and water in a kaleidoscope of colour. Stargaze until dawn or drift off to the soothing sounds of waves lapping the shore. Fresh Local Fare Guests wake up each morning to birdsong and enjoy breakfast in the open air ‘Eagle Lodge’, perfect for lounging, dining and daydreaming.
Eagle Lodge is surely Australia’s most unusual kitchen and spectacular dining room. Here, you can feast on freshly caught wild barramundi, mangrove jacks, and reef fish, home-baked bread and exotic, sun-ripened fruit and vegetables picked and flown in from Kununurra’s Ord River - all enjoyed with fine Western Australian wine or beer.
You also have access to tea, coffee, food and wine at any time. Snack on one of the chefs freshly baked biscuits, fresh fruit or cheese and biscuits, and enjoy the chefs picnics on selected excursions.
A Private Escape While the wildlife is prolific, the neighbours are not. With a maximum of twelve guests at any time privacy is ensured. Not surprisingly, Faraway Bay is popular with couples and honeymooners.n Simple, Comfortable Accommodation Although simple Faraway Bay provides unrivalled luxury for a bush camp, with eight spacious cabins scattered amongst the natural bush setting, offering privacy and 180-degree views of the spectacular cliff-lined bay.
Six cabins feature ensuites with a private outdoor solar-heated spring-water shower. Getting There Visitors enjoy a scenic flight by light aircraft 280km north west from Kununurra, over a timeliness and untouched landscape, then ride by 4WD to The Bush Camp. The Faraway Bay private airstrip is 4 km from the camp, with parking bay and tie down for light aircraft. Helicopters can land on the heli-pad at The Bush Camp.
For more information about Faraway Bay, The Bush Camp visit www.farawaybay.com.au
It’s an intimate escape that feels like the edge of forever. Here, a few days can feel like a week, and a week can change the way you feel forever. On offer is remarkable natural beauty, isolation and history – all set in a remote slice of outback Australia.
Ease into nature’s rhythm. Relax. Explore. Relax some more.
A Rare Kimberley Encounter Cruise to the spectacular twin falls on the King George River and feel dwarfed by red rock cliffs that rise more than 50 metres into the air. When the falls are flowing it’s time for an invigorating fresh waterfall shower as the Diamond Lass cruiser edges up to the rock face. Go fishing in tidal creeks and catch an elusive barramundi. There’s always time to explore – learn about bush tucker; go bird watching, beach combing or swimming in pristine water holes; and discover ancient rock art perhaps 15- 20,000 years old.
Evening entertainment begins as the last rays dance across the rocks and water in a kaleidoscope of colour. Stargaze until dawn or drift off to the soothing sounds of waves lapping the shore. Fresh Local Fare Guests wake up each morning to birdsong and enjoy breakfast in the open air ‘Eagle Lodge’, perfect for lounging, dining and daydreaming.
Eagle Lodge is surely Australia’s most unusual kitchen and spectacular dining room. Here, you can feast on freshly caught wild barramundi, mangrove jacks, and reef fish, home-baked bread and exotic, sun-ripened fruit and vegetables picked and flown in from Kununurra’s Ord River - all enjoyed with fine Western Australian wine or beer.
You also have access to tea, coffee, food and wine at any time. Snack on one of the chefs freshly baked biscuits, fresh fruit or cheese and biscuits, and enjoy the chefs picnics on selected excursions.
A Private Escape While the wildlife is prolific, the neighbours are not. With a maximum of twelve guests at any time privacy is ensured. Not surprisingly, Faraway Bay is popular with couples and honeymooners.n Simple, Comfortable Accommodation Although simple Faraway Bay provides unrivalled luxury for a bush camp, with eight spacious cabins scattered amongst the natural bush setting, offering privacy and 180-degree views of the spectacular cliff-lined bay.
Six cabins feature ensuites with a private outdoor solar-heated spring-water shower. Getting There Visitors enjoy a scenic flight by light aircraft 280km north west from Kununurra, over a timeliness and untouched landscape, then ride by 4WD to The Bush Camp. The Faraway Bay private airstrip is 4 km from the camp, with parking bay and tie down for light aircraft. Helicopters can land on the heli-pad at The Bush Camp.
For more information about Faraway Bay, The Bush Camp visit www.farawaybay.com.au
“Port Stephens, AUSTRALIA” by Warren Boucher
Saturday of the second weekend of the NSW Interclub Carnage, a 21 foot Caribbean ran to the Old Carpark South of Port. After gathering livies we set a drift starting in 90 fathoms. At about 2pm we had a Mako swim to the boat which we estimated at around 250kg. We fed it a bait & went to strike when the fish turned away from the boat.
Three awesome jumps not 10 meters from the boat had our jaws dropping. After this the fish dove the 150 fathoms we were in and sat there for a while before slowly making its way to the surface. After 1 hour the trace came to hand and the Mako was traced into gaff range where all hell broke loose as you would expect from a pretty
green shark.
We were now some 34 miles from port and after securing the fish we decided to skip bait on 10kg North and make our way back to the carpark 24 Miles from Port so we would get a good trip home. Only 20 minutes later after trolling through a stack of bait we had a marlin take one of the slimies. We chased the Marlin for 10 minutes after its second adrenalin run where we saw it as a Blue between 150 & 200kg, still with the shark tied off to the starboard side mid ship. After getting close to the Marlin we decided the shark needed to be secured off the bow which we did as quickly as possible now that the Marlin had settled. The Marlin had now swum to the bottom and we had over 600 meters of line out. Over the next 2 hours we slowly gained line and finally had a shot on the trace.
Twice the Blue came to hand but only swam strongly down and under the boat. The trace was let go with an exclamation. Two or 3 times the Marlin came close again as we chased it south and away from port. At 10pm after 7 hours we busted off to now confirm that we had a 45 mile run home into a building short and sharp North Easter. We pulled the Mako on board & set course for Port. Mitch Ryan on Outcast had been fighting a striped Marlin all afternoon also and had nailed it at about 8:30pm. He was travelling at 6 knots which was all we could do too. We were both in 21 foot Caribbeans & getting pounded as we travelled. Dealne, Outcast, Rampage & Axeman had all been keeping in touch asking if we were ok for fuel. Jamie Ward the skipper was confident we would be ok as we gave Neil Grieves at gamefish base our ETA of 5am. We had fought a striped Marlin on 6 late last year which took us 50 mile strait out from Broken Bay & we had made it back with fuel to spare. We checked in with
the legendary Neil at Gamefish base every 2 hours and at 3am reported to him that we had run out of fuel 12 miles out.
Towing the Mako while chasing the Marlin and carrying the extra weight into the bad sea had obviously drained the fuel supplies. Neil had the not so pleasurable task of ringing our ex president John Patton from Bravo who duly came out and towed us in.
After 2 more hours drifting and 3 being towed we eventually weighed our Mako at 8am which went 280.5kg.
Thanks to all those mentioned for all their thoughts and efforts. Especially Neil Grieves and John Paton. No we didn’t go out fishing Sunday, we cleaned up and went to bed.
by Warren Boucher
Three awesome jumps not 10 meters from the boat had our jaws dropping. After this the fish dove the 150 fathoms we were in and sat there for a while before slowly making its way to the surface. After 1 hour the trace came to hand and the Mako was traced into gaff range where all hell broke loose as you would expect from a pretty
green shark.
We were now some 34 miles from port and after securing the fish we decided to skip bait on 10kg North and make our way back to the carpark 24 Miles from Port so we would get a good trip home. Only 20 minutes later after trolling through a stack of bait we had a marlin take one of the slimies. We chased the Marlin for 10 minutes after its second adrenalin run where we saw it as a Blue between 150 & 200kg, still with the shark tied off to the starboard side mid ship. After getting close to the Marlin we decided the shark needed to be secured off the bow which we did as quickly as possible now that the Marlin had settled. The Marlin had now swum to the bottom and we had over 600 meters of line out. Over the next 2 hours we slowly gained line and finally had a shot on the trace.
Twice the Blue came to hand but only swam strongly down and under the boat. The trace was let go with an exclamation. Two or 3 times the Marlin came close again as we chased it south and away from port. At 10pm after 7 hours we busted off to now confirm that we had a 45 mile run home into a building short and sharp North Easter. We pulled the Mako on board & set course for Port. Mitch Ryan on Outcast had been fighting a striped Marlin all afternoon also and had nailed it at about 8:30pm. He was travelling at 6 knots which was all we could do too. We were both in 21 foot Caribbeans & getting pounded as we travelled. Dealne, Outcast, Rampage & Axeman had all been keeping in touch asking if we were ok for fuel. Jamie Ward the skipper was confident we would be ok as we gave Neil Grieves at gamefish base our ETA of 5am. We had fought a striped Marlin on 6 late last year which took us 50 mile strait out from Broken Bay & we had made it back with fuel to spare. We checked in with
the legendary Neil at Gamefish base every 2 hours and at 3am reported to him that we had run out of fuel 12 miles out.
Towing the Mako while chasing the Marlin and carrying the extra weight into the bad sea had obviously drained the fuel supplies. Neil had the not so pleasurable task of ringing our ex president John Patton from Bravo who duly came out and towed us in.
After 2 more hours drifting and 3 being towed we eventually weighed our Mako at 8am which went 280.5kg.
Thanks to all those mentioned for all their thoughts and efforts. Especially Neil Grieves and John Paton. No we didn’t go out fishing Sunday, we cleaned up and went to bed.
by Warren Boucher
“ExCeL: a great success” by PR
Despite the outlook and the caution that pervaded most aspects of this year’s London Boat show, one UK company is sure that its fortunes will be up in 2009. UK-based Blue & Green Marine – the company behind the world’s first ultrasonic antifouling system designed from the outset for marine use – was very busy at the show with trade and retail enquiries.
“Since winning two DAME Awards at METS in November we have been inundated with enquiries from all over the world,” says Mike Arnold MD of Blue & Green Marine. “The London Boat Show has provided an opportunity to follow-up and strengthen our ties with builders and manufacturers and we are looking forward to developing some major partnerships with household-name marine brands.”
“Everyone in the industry is looking at ways of adding value and reducing operating costs. We’ve been getting a lot of attention from builders, brokers and owners who see that all through a boat’s life we can deliver real savings in time, labour, material and running costs,” continues Mike. “And all with the added advantage of being ‘green’ – another factor that is growing in importance for customers.”
BACKGROUND
Blue & Green Marine’s new Hull Protection System™ won two honours in the 2008 DAME Awards – getting a Special Mention in its own Marine Electronics category and winning the overall DAME Award for Most ECO Friendly Product. By employing state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies the company’s Hull Protection System™ has harnessed the power of ultrasound into a package that delivers unparalleled antifouling performance, keeping your boat’s hull as clean as the day it was launched.
The system totally removes the necessity to lift and clean your boat, removing all the costs and ecological impact associated with the disposal and reapplication of noxious
antifouling paints. The system also dramatically reduces fuel consumption and can pay for itself within two seasons. The system creates a finelytuned pulse of ultra-high
frequency sound waves in the water touching the hull. These waves cause microscopic cavitation within the cell walls of the single-celled organisms that form a layer or ‘bio-film’ around all objects immersed in water.
This fierce cavitation is harmless to your gel-coat but disrupts the cells’ structure – making the hull uninhabitable to algae and bacteria. This removes the first link in the food chain, preventing larger more complex organisms from colonising any part of your hull, keel, rudder, prop-shaft, propeller, thrusters, water intakes or through-hull fixtures.
The ultrasonic transducer, which is built to exceed MOD specifications, is bonded to the inside of your hull and connected to a bulkhead control panel. The system switches automatically between battery and shore power and has a tiny current draw of 0.06 Amps (or 60 milliamps). The unit is silent and does not interfere with any onboard electronics. The ultrasonic pulses also have no effect on your boat’s anodes, are harmless to fish and inaudible to humans and marine mammals. The system is currently undergoing full sea trials at the National Oceanographic Centre, University of Southampton with the help of the facility’s various survey vessels.
“Since winning two DAME Awards at METS in November we have been inundated with enquiries from all over the world,” says Mike Arnold MD of Blue & Green Marine. “The London Boat Show has provided an opportunity to follow-up and strengthen our ties with builders and manufacturers and we are looking forward to developing some major partnerships with household-name marine brands.”
“Everyone in the industry is looking at ways of adding value and reducing operating costs. We’ve been getting a lot of attention from builders, brokers and owners who see that all through a boat’s life we can deliver real savings in time, labour, material and running costs,” continues Mike. “And all with the added advantage of being ‘green’ – another factor that is growing in importance for customers.”
BACKGROUND
Blue & Green Marine’s new Hull Protection System™ won two honours in the 2008 DAME Awards – getting a Special Mention in its own Marine Electronics category and winning the overall DAME Award for Most ECO Friendly Product. By employing state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies the company’s Hull Protection System™ has harnessed the power of ultrasound into a package that delivers unparalleled antifouling performance, keeping your boat’s hull as clean as the day it was launched.
The system totally removes the necessity to lift and clean your boat, removing all the costs and ecological impact associated with the disposal and reapplication of noxious
antifouling paints. The system also dramatically reduces fuel consumption and can pay for itself within two seasons. The system creates a finelytuned pulse of ultra-high
frequency sound waves in the water touching the hull. These waves cause microscopic cavitation within the cell walls of the single-celled organisms that form a layer or ‘bio-film’ around all objects immersed in water.
This fierce cavitation is harmless to your gel-coat but disrupts the cells’ structure – making the hull uninhabitable to algae and bacteria. This removes the first link in the food chain, preventing larger more complex organisms from colonising any part of your hull, keel, rudder, prop-shaft, propeller, thrusters, water intakes or through-hull fixtures.
The ultrasonic transducer, which is built to exceed MOD specifications, is bonded to the inside of your hull and connected to a bulkhead control panel. The system switches automatically between battery and shore power and has a tiny current draw of 0.06 Amps (or 60 milliamps). The unit is silent and does not interfere with any onboard electronics. The ultrasonic pulses also have no effect on your boat’s anodes, are harmless to fish and inaudible to humans and marine mammals. The system is currently undergoing full sea trials at the National Oceanographic Centre, University of Southampton with the help of the facility’s various survey vessels.
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